MicroRNA-124a Inhibits Uveal Melanoma Cell Proliferation and Migration

Abstract

Purpose: : MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20-24 nucleotide non-coding RNAs which are expressed endogenously and repress protein translation through binding to target mRNAs. Evidence indicates that miRNAs play essential roles in tumor cell proliferation and migration. The function of miRNAs in uveal melanoma, however, is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the function of (MicroRNA-124a) miR-124a in uveal melanoma cells.

Methods: : Northern blotting was carried out to detect the expression of miR-124a in uveal melanoma cells and normal melanocytes. Transfection of miR-124a into uveal melanoma cells was performed by liperfectamine 2000. The proliferation of melanoma cells was measured by MTS assay. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. The migration of melanoma cells was examined by transwell migration assays.

Results: : miR-124a was expressed in melanocytes but downregulated in uveal melanoma cells. Ectopic expression of miR-124a induced G1-arrest in uveal melanoma cells. Transfection of miR-124a into uveal melanoma cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions: : Our results demonstrated that miR-124a may act as a tumor suppressor in uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration.

Keywords: melanoma • proliferation • gene/expression